The World : Afghans Push Peace Talks

Afghan President Najibullah said he will appoint a commission to talk peace in Afghanistan with Muslim guerrillas but warned that his troops are ready to “inflict smashing rocket blows” to defeat the rebels. Najibullah made the announcement in a speech to the opening session of a special body called a loya jirgah , which is empowered to decide matters affecting the country’s future and includes the vice president, the premier and his deputies, the Cabinet as well as National Assembly members. Najibullah also said the commission, whose three members would be selected by the loya jirgah , would negotiate with rebels at any time and anywhere--including in Iran and neighboring Pakistan “This is the best proposal we can make, and what more can I do for an opposition that claims to hold 95% of the country?” he said.